Five Questions with Political Strategist Susan Del Percio

Susan Del Percio is a political strategist and crisis communication expert. But it’s more likely you know her for the plain-spoken political wisdom and frank criticism of the Trump administration (and of Democrats, too, when they deserve it!) she offers as a political analyst for NBC News and MSNBC. Hers is one of those trusted voices that deals in facts and perspectives, not over-the-top political invective. Susan writes for MSNBC. Follow her here.

Susan caught my attention earlier this week, when I heard her giving a sober assessment of how the events we are all observing in this first month of the Trump administration are landing with the people in his base. I wanted to know more, so I invited her to join us for “Five Questions” tonight.

From my perspective, the available evidence suggests Trump is willing to take us over the edge into autocracy if it suits his purposes. Is his base worried about that, or at least some of them? Do they see that too? Will they come around, as some of the numbers we looked at earlier this week suggest they might be slowly doing?

It’s important for us to be clear-eyed in our assessment. We can’t deceive ourselves into believing help may be coming from unforeseen places, but we also can’t afford to miss the opportunities to work with people whose eyes are newly opened.

Tonight, we have the chance to learn more from someone who has worked in politics and communications for many years and has great insight into how Republican voters think.

“Five Questions” is a feature for paid subscribers, my way of thanking people who are able to support this work so that I can devote the necessary time and resources to it. I appreciate everyone who reads the newsletter and works to stay informed, so free subscriptions, with access to all of the other posts, will always be available.